Chief's young Blues retain title

BLUES Under-18 head coach Dale McIntosh has hailed his side
after they retained their WRU Regional title by beating the
Scarlets 51-25 at St Helen’s.

McIntosh’s side had finished the season on top of the table, but
had failed to beat the Scarlets in the league in two attempts.

The young Blues saved the best for last, though, and came away
with a seven-try haul in an impressive display of running rugby on
a fast, dry pitch with outside-half Rhys Patchell contributing 21
points.

“I’m chuffed to bits for the boys, especially to come away with
such a convincing score,” said McIntosh.

“The Scarlets were slightly under strength and we certainly took
advantage of that. Our attack was extremely accurate, we made a few
errors in defence, but the boys produced a superb performance with
huge commitment and you can’t ask more than that.

“It’s a culmination of a whole season which has involved around
30 players and I just hope some of these players go all the way
which is the ultimate aim.”

McIntosh’s sentiments were echoed by Blues captain Ellis
Jenkins.

“We had played the Scarlets twice earlier in the season and both
times we thought we had the upper hand,” added Jenkins.

“But we lost the first game and drew the second, so it’s great
to win the match that counted most.

“We put into place what we had been practising on the training
pitch all year and for that type of rugby to come off in a final is
satisfying.

“We have grown a huge amount as a team and individuals this
season, the aim now for all of us is to get into the Wales Under-18
set-up, but we can’t take anything for granted.”